Geronimo Stilton: The Discovery of America

This graphic novel series for young readers, originally written in Italian, has been translated into multiple languages and is now appearing for the first time in the U.S. The series pits an adventurous family of mice against a group of malevolent pirate cats who travel through time, threatening to change the course of history. The first two books, released simultaneously, successfully walk the line between education and entertainment, elaborating on Christopher Columbus’s journey in The Discovery of America and on ancient Egypt in the companion The Secret of the Sphinx. The characters are likable, the writing energetic and the drawings busily engaging. There’s also plenty of humor in the stories, and characters with names like Minestrone and Macaroni Mousaroni are sure to draw a smile from readers. The adventures of the Stilton family vs. the pirate cats offer laughs and adventure, and do a fine job of creating a world that children will want to enter again and again. Geronimo Stilton promises good reading for youngsters and will appeal to teachers, librarians and parents for its educational component. (Aug.)